2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design. These changes added 2.4 inches to its length, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs. However, the material quality, especially in the mid-level SE with Technology trim, was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and sophistication. Its design, though approaching a decade old, remained timeless with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling lines. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a Byron Blue exterior with silver 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Range Rover offered a high-contrast Ivory-color interior with a mid-century modern ambiance. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as intuitive as newer systems, the overall cabin experience was one of opulence, with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-liter VR6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder AWD model rated at 21 mpg combined and the VR6 AWD at 18 mpg combined.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover featured standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the SUV excelled in comfort and quietness. However, the steering was slow in response, and the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling on winding roads. The EPA rated the Range Rover at 20 mpg combined, with our test achieving 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering average passenger and cargo space for its segment. It provided 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The third-row legroom was commendable, but the second-row legroom was lacking. The interior featured logically laid-out controls, up to five USB ports, and an optional wireless charging pad. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. Parking sensors and active park assist were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. The Range Rover offered quad-zone climate control and a Meridian sound system. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided in loading, but luggage volume was restricted.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen. The Digital Cockpit was available on select trims, offering a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, enhancing voice recognition and navigation. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on higher trims, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was introduced for 2021.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted fully digital instrumentation and infotainment with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, offered numerous features and functions. The dual 10-inch touchscreens could be distracting while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover included an Activity Key wristband for keyless convenience and an iGuide smartphone app for digital owner’s manual access.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in IIHS crash tests, with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional packages offered adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-centering assistance. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, which worked well, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond. The Range Rover's safety features were effective and accurate, but the Driver Assist Pack's contents were not assessed.